US20180031416A1 - Sensor Support For Use With Lighting Refractor - Google Patents
Sensor Support For Use With Lighting Refractor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180031416A1 US20180031416A1 US15/221,781 US201615221781A US2018031416A1 US 20180031416 A1 US20180031416 A1 US 20180031416A1 US 201615221781 A US201615221781 A US 201615221781A US 2018031416 A1 US2018031416 A1 US 2018031416A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- refractor
- sensor
- lighting
- peripheral portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/02—Details
- G01J1/0271—Housings; Attachments or accessories for photometers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
- F21V17/04—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages the fastening being onto or by the light source
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
- F21V17/10—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
- F21V17/10—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening
- F21V17/104—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening using feather joints, e.g. tongues and grooves, with or without friction
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
- F21V17/10—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening
- F21V17/12—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening by screwing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
- F21V23/0442—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
- F21V23/0464—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors the sensor sensing the level of ambient illumination, e.g. dawn or dusk sensors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
- F21V23/0442—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
- F21V23/0471—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors the sensor detecting the proximity, the presence or the movement of an object or a person
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/02—Details
- G01J1/04—Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts
- G01J1/0403—Mechanical elements; Supports for optical elements; Scanning arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/42—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2105/00—Planar light sources
- F21Y2105/10—Planar light sources comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements
- F21Y2105/14—Planar light sources comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements characterised by the overall shape of the two-dimensional array
- F21Y2105/18—Planar light sources comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements characterised by the overall shape of the two-dimensional array annular; polygonal other than square or rectangular, e.g. for spotlights or for generating an axially symmetrical light beam
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/42—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
- G01J2001/4247—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors for testing lamps or other light sources
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to lighting systems, and more particularly, to sensor controls for lighting systems.
- Lighting units commonly referred to as “luminaires,” are used in various types of indoor and outdoor lighting applications. “Low bay” indoor applications generally include mounting lighting units at heights of approximately 20 feet or less, whereas “high bay” indoor applications generally include mounting lighting units at ceiling heights of approximately 20 to 45 feet, or sometimes higher. Conventional lighting units for high bay and low bay applications generally include a light housing that is suspended from a ceiling structure and houses a light source, and a generally conical or bell-shaped refractor that depends downwardly from the light housing and directs light produced by the light source.
- a sensor for detecting a local condition (e.g., motion, light, etc.) in a region surrounding the lighting system, and causing the lighting system to energize one or more of the individual lighting units only in response to detection of the condition by the sensor.
- a local condition e.g., motion, light, etc.
- the sensors are mounted remotely from the lighting units. While attempts have been made to mount sensors directly to the lighting units, in such designs the sensors undesirably block at least some of the light produced by the lighting units.
- a sensor support for use with a lighting refractor includes a housing defining an interior cavity configured to receive and support a sensor for sensing at least one of motion or light.
- the sensor support further includes a locking structure operatively associated with the housing and configured to selectively attach the housing to a peripheral portion of a lighting refractor, and an aperture in the housing and arranged to expose the sensor to an environment around the lighting refractor.
- a sensor assembly for use with a lighting refractor includes a sensor configured to sense at least one of motion or light, and a sensor support.
- the sensor support includes a housing that receives and supports the sensor, a locking structure operatively associated with the housing and configured to selectively attach the housing to a peripheral portion of a lighting refractor, and an aperture in the housing and arranged to expose the sensor to an environment around the lighting refractor.
- a lighting unit assembly includes a lighting unit having a refractor with a peripheral portion, and a sensor support.
- the sensor support includes a housing configured to receive and support a sensor for sensing at least one of motion or light, a locking structure operatively associated with the housing and configured to selectively attach the housing to the peripheral portion of the refractor, and an aperture in the housing and arranged to expose the sensor to an environment around the refractor.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical lighting unit assembly including an electrical lighting unit and a sensor support according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective, disassembled view of the sensor support of FIG. 1 , showing alignment of the sensor support with a peripheral edge of a refractor of the electrical lighting unit.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor support and refractor of FIG. 1 , taken along line 3 - 3 .
- FIGS. 4-14 depict various views of the sensor support of FIG. 1 , showing various aspects of the ornamental design of the sensor support.
- FIG. 1 shows an electrical lighting unit assembly 10 including an electrical lighting unit 12 and a sensor support 14 of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention.
- the exemplary lighting unit 12 is shown in the form of a low bay/high bay lighting unit, which may be similar to the LED AureusTM lighting unit available from LSI Industries, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio, for example. In alternative embodiments, the lighting unit 12 may be of various alternative types suitable for indoor or outdoor lighting applications.
- the lighting unit 12 as shown generally includes a unit housing 16 that houses a light source 18 , shown in the form of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”), and a refractor 20 coupled to a lower end of the unit housing 16 with any suitable fastening elements, such as self-locking clips (not shown), for example.
- the refractor 20 may be of various conventional types known in the art. As a non-limiting example, the refractor 20 may be an injection molded acrylic prismatic refractor.
- a circumferential rim 22 extends radially outward from a lower end of the refractor 20 and defines a peripheral edge and a central opening 24 of the refractor 20 .
- the central opening 24 exposes the light source 18 to an environment beneath, or otherwise surrounding, the lighting unit 12 .
- An annular spring-biased clamp band 26 may be clipped onto an outer edge of the refractor rim 22 , and may facilitate attachment of a flat or conical bottom lens (not shown) to the refractor 20 , for example.
- the clamp band 26 includes an annular slot 28 in which the refractor rim 22 is received.
- the exemplary sensor support 14 generally includes a lower body 30 , a removable top plate 32 that removably couples to the lower body 30 , and a locking structure 34 configured to selectively attach the sensor support 14 to the refractor rim 22 , as described in greater detail below.
- the lower body 30 and top plate 32 collectively define a housing having an interior cavity 36 in which a sensor 38 is received and supported.
- the sensor 38 may be configured to sense motion or light, for example, and generally includes a circuit board 40 and a lens 42 that covers a detecting element (not shown). It will be appreciated that sensor 38 may be of various alternative types and physical configurations, and that features of the sensor support 14 may be modified as appropriate to accommodate alternative sensor types.
- the lower body 30 of the sensor support 14 includes a sidewall 44 and an integrally formed bottom wall 46 .
- the sidewall 44 may be formed with a generally rectangular shape so as to include a front wall 48 , a back wall 50 , a first end wall 52 , and an opposed second end wall 54 .
- the top plate 32 may be formed with a similar, generally rectangular shape so as to include a front edge 56 , a back edge 58 , a first end edge 60 , and an opposed second end edge 62 .
- the lower body 30 and top plate 32 may be formed with various alternative shapes as may be desired.
- the lower body 30 may be formed with a circular, oval, or any irregular shape, and may gradually taper toward the bottom wall 46 so as to define a generally domed structure.
- the lower body 30 may include a plurality of bosses 64 within the interior cavity 36 , projecting from the bottom wall 46 toward the top plate 32 and formed integrally with respective portions of the bottom wall 46 and the sidewall 44 .
- the bosses 64 may be arranged at the back wall 50 , the first end wall 52 , and the second end wall 54 .
- Each boss 64 includes a bore 66 and is positioned in alignment with a respective bore 68 formed in the top plate 32 .
- Threaded fasteners 70 are directed through the top plate bores 68 and into the boss bores 66 to releasably couple the top plate 32 to the lower body 30 .
- the top plate 32 may be releasably coupled to the lower body 30 using various other mechanical fastening elements known in the art, such as clamps, detents, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, or the like, for example. Removal of the top plate 32 from the lower body 30 provides access to the interior cavity 36 and components housed therein, including the sensor 38 and adjustable locking elements of the locking structure 34 , described below.
- the bottom wall 46 of the lower body 30 includes a lower aperture 72 that is suitably sized and shaped to expose at least a portion of the sensor 38 , including its detecting element, to an environment around the lighting unit 12 .
- the lower aperture 72 may be circular and formed with a diameter suitable to allow the sensor lens 42 to project through the aperture 72 , while retaining the circuit board 40 and corresponding electronic components (e.g., electrical wires, etc.) in the interior cavity 36 .
- a retaining nut 74 may be arranged on a lower surface of the bottom wall 46 to engage and secure the sensor 38 to the bottom wall 46 .
- an upper aperture 76 may be formed in the top plate 32 and may be generally aligned with the lower aperture 72 formed in the bottom wall 46 .
- the upper aperture 76 may be suitably sized and shaped to accommodate electrical wires (not shown) that connect the sensor 38 to the lighting unit 12 and/or a sensor power source, for example.
- the interior cavity 36 of lower body 30 may be sized to accommodate slack amounts of the electrical wires in addition to the sensor 38 .
- the sensor 38 may communicate with the lighting unit 12 wirelessly and a sensor power source may be located within the interior cavity 36 , for example, in which case the upper aperture 76 may be omitted from the top plate 32 .
- the locking structure 34 of the sensor support 14 enables selective attachment of the sensor support 14 to the refractor 20 .
- the locking structure 34 may include one or more recesses that receive a portion of the refractor rim 22 , and one or more adjustable locking elements that lockingly engage and retain the rim 22 within the one or more recesses.
- the locking structure 34 includes an elongate channel 78 and a pair of threaded fasteners 80 .
- the channel 78 is formed in a lower portion of the front wall 48 of the lower body 30 , and the threaded fasteners 80 extend into the channel 78 to engage an upper surface of the clamp band 26 and thereby clamp the clamp band 26 and the rim 22 within the channel 78 .
- the sensor support 14 may be cantilevered on the refractor rim 22 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 .
- the channel 78 is formed integrally within the front wall 48 , and extends continuously for a full length of the front wall 48 between the first and second end walls 52 , 54 .
- the channel 78 may be formed with various other physical configurations.
- the channel 78 may be defined by one or more ledge-like structures that project laterally outward from the front wall 48 , each defining a respective portion of the channel 78 . Such structures may be spaced apart and span a full or partial length of the front wall 48 .
- the front wall 48 and the channel 78 may each extend along an arcuate path having a curvature that complements a curvature of the refractor 20 , such as a curvature of the refractor rim 22 .
- the front edge 56 of the top plate 32 may be formed with a curvature similar to that of the front wall 48 .
- the sensor support 14 closely conforms to an outer periphery of the refractor 20 , thereby promoting a secure attachment of the sensor support 14 to the refractor 20 and providing a compact and aesthetically pleasing configuration.
- the channel 78 may be formed with a profile shaped to generally complement a profile of the refractor rim 22 .
- the channel 78 may be formed with a generally rectangular profile that complements generally rectangular profiles of the refractor rim 22 and the clamp band 26 .
- the channel 78 extends laterally into the interior cavity 36 with a depth sufficient to accommodate a majority of a radial width of the refractor rim 22 and the clamp band 26 .
- the channel 78 is bounded by an upper channel wall 82 , a lower channel wall 84 , and an inner channel wall 86 .
- the lower channel wall 84 may be defined by the bottom wall 46 of the lower body 30 .
- the threaded fasteners 80 are threaded through the upper channel wall 82 and into the channel 78 to engage an upper surface of the clamp band 26 , thereby clamping the clamp band 26 and refractor rim 22 within the channel 78 , against the lower channel wall 84 .
- the heads of the threaded fasteners 80 may be tightened against a planar surface of the upper channel wall 82 , accessible via the interior cavity 36 . Further, the threaded fasteners 80 may be formed with any suitable length to accommodate refractor rims 22 and clamp bands 26 of various thicknesses, or alternatively a refractor rim 22 without a clamp band 26 .
- the threaded fasteners 80 may be accessed and adjusted via the interior cavity 36 when the top plate 32 is removed from the lower body 30 . While only two threaded fasteners 80 are shown, spaced apart along a length of the channel 78 , any suitable quantity and spacing of threaded fasteners 80 may be provided. In alternative embodiments, the clamping effect provided by the threaded fasteners 80 may be enhanced with various additional mechanical fastening elements known in the art. For example, though not shown, one or more additional threaded fasteners may be threaded through the lower channel wall 84 to engage a lower surface of the clamp band 26 .
- exemplary sensor support 14 shown and described herein includes locking structure comprising a channel 78 and threaded fasteners 80 , it will be appreciated that various other structure suitable for selectively attaching the sensor support 14 to a peripheral portion of a lighting refractor may alternatively be used.
- the lower body 30 and top plate 32 of the sensor support 14 may be formed of a polymeric material through an injection molding process. It will be appreciated that various alternative materials, including metals for example, and corresponding manufacturing methods may be used.
- the sensor support 14 disclosed herein supports the sensor 38 at a position radially outward of the refractor rim 22 so as to avoid blocking light produced by the light source 18 and directed through the refractor opening 24 , shown in FIG. 1 .
- the sensor 38 Upon sensing a motion, light, or other condition of a surrounding environment, the sensor 38 sends a signal to the lighting unit 12 , or to a control unit (not shown) communicating with the lighting unit 12 , instructing the lighting unit 12 to energize the light source 18 .
- the lighting unit 12 may later de-energize the light source 18 after a pre-determined length of time during which the condition ceases to be present. In this manner, the sensor support 14 promotes energy-efficient use of the lighting unit 12 , while supporting the sensor 38 at a location immediately adjacent to the lighting unit 12 to provide a visually appealing and space-efficient configuration without interfering with light produced by the lighting unit 12 .
- FIGS. 4-14 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a new, original, and ornamental design for a sensor support for use with luminaires, wherein broken dot-dash lines represent unclaimed portions of the design, and broken dash lines represent unclaimed boundaries.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to lighting systems, and more particularly, to sensor controls for lighting systems.
- Electrical lighting units, commonly referred to as “luminaires,” are used in various types of indoor and outdoor lighting applications. “Low bay” indoor applications generally include mounting lighting units at heights of approximately 20 feet or less, whereas “high bay” indoor applications generally include mounting lighting units at ceiling heights of approximately 20 to 45 feet, or sometimes higher. Conventional lighting units for high bay and low bay applications generally include a light housing that is suspended from a ceiling structure and houses a light source, and a generally conical or bell-shaped refractor that depends downwardly from the light housing and directs light produced by the light source.
- In many lighting applications, it is desirable to provide a sensor for detecting a local condition (e.g., motion, light, etc.) in a region surrounding the lighting system, and causing the lighting system to energize one or more of the individual lighting units only in response to detection of the condition by the sensor. In this manner, energy is substantially conserved by ensuring that lighting units are energized only when appropriate. In conventional lighting systems, such sensors are mounted remotely from the lighting units. While attempts have been made to mount sensors directly to the lighting units, in such designs the sensors undesirably block at least some of the light produced by the lighting units.
- Accordingly, there is a need for improvements to known lighting systems to address at least the drawbacks discussed above.
- According to an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention, a sensor support for use with a lighting refractor includes a housing defining an interior cavity configured to receive and support a sensor for sensing at least one of motion or light. The sensor support further includes a locking structure operatively associated with the housing and configured to selectively attach the housing to a peripheral portion of a lighting refractor, and an aperture in the housing and arranged to expose the sensor to an environment around the lighting refractor.
- According to another exemplary embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention, a sensor assembly for use with a lighting refractor includes a sensor configured to sense at least one of motion or light, and a sensor support. The sensor support includes a housing that receives and supports the sensor, a locking structure operatively associated with the housing and configured to selectively attach the housing to a peripheral portion of a lighting refractor, and an aperture in the housing and arranged to expose the sensor to an environment around the lighting refractor.
- According to another exemplary embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention, a lighting unit assembly includes a lighting unit having a refractor with a peripheral portion, and a sensor support. The sensor support includes a housing configured to receive and support a sensor for sensing at least one of motion or light, a locking structure operatively associated with the housing and configured to selectively attach the housing to the peripheral portion of the refractor, and an aperture in the housing and arranged to expose the sensor to an environment around the refractor.
- Various additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical lighting unit assembly including an electrical lighting unit and a sensor support according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective, disassembled view of the sensor support ofFIG. 1 , showing alignment of the sensor support with a peripheral edge of a refractor of the electrical lighting unit. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor support and refractor ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 3-3. -
FIGS. 4-14 depict various views of the sensor support ofFIG. 1 , showing various aspects of the ornamental design of the sensor support. - Referring to the Figures,
FIG. 1 shows an electricallighting unit assembly 10 including anelectrical lighting unit 12 and asensor support 14 of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention. Theexemplary lighting unit 12 is shown in the form of a low bay/high bay lighting unit, which may be similar to the LED Aureus™ lighting unit available from LSI Industries, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio, for example. In alternative embodiments, thelighting unit 12 may be of various alternative types suitable for indoor or outdoor lighting applications. Thelighting unit 12 as shown generally includes aunit housing 16 that houses alight source 18, shown in the form of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”), and arefractor 20 coupled to a lower end of theunit housing 16 with any suitable fastening elements, such as self-locking clips (not shown), for example. Therefractor 20 may be of various conventional types known in the art. As a non-limiting example, therefractor 20 may be an injection molded acrylic prismatic refractor. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 and additionally referring toFIG. 2 , acircumferential rim 22 extends radially outward from a lower end of therefractor 20 and defines a peripheral edge and acentral opening 24 of therefractor 20. Thecentral opening 24 exposes thelight source 18 to an environment beneath, or otherwise surrounding, thelighting unit 12. An annular spring-biased clamp band 26 may be clipped onto an outer edge of therefractor rim 22, and may facilitate attachment of a flat or conical bottom lens (not shown) to therefractor 20, for example. As best shown inFIG. 3 , theclamp band 26 includes anannular slot 28 in which therefractor rim 22 is received. - The
exemplary sensor support 14 generally includes alower body 30, a removabletop plate 32 that removably couples to thelower body 30, and alocking structure 34 configured to selectively attach thesensor support 14 to therefractor rim 22, as described in greater detail below. Thelower body 30 andtop plate 32 collectively define a housing having aninterior cavity 36 in which asensor 38 is received and supported. In exemplary embodiments, thesensor 38 may be configured to sense motion or light, for example, and generally includes acircuit board 40 and alens 42 that covers a detecting element (not shown). It will be appreciated thatsensor 38 may be of various alternative types and physical configurations, and that features of thesensor support 14 may be modified as appropriate to accommodate alternative sensor types. - The
lower body 30 of thesensor support 14 includes asidewall 44 and an integrally formedbottom wall 46. Thesidewall 44 may be formed with a generally rectangular shape so as to include afront wall 48, aback wall 50, afirst end wall 52, and an opposedsecond end wall 54. Thetop plate 32 may be formed with a similar, generally rectangular shape so as to include afront edge 56, aback edge 58, afirst end edge 60, and an opposedsecond end edge 62. In alternative embodiments, thelower body 30 andtop plate 32 may be formed with various alternative shapes as may be desired. For example, thelower body 30 may be formed with a circular, oval, or any irregular shape, and may gradually taper toward thebottom wall 46 so as to define a generally domed structure. - In the embodiment shown, the
lower body 30 may include a plurality ofbosses 64 within theinterior cavity 36, projecting from thebottom wall 46 toward thetop plate 32 and formed integrally with respective portions of thebottom wall 46 and thesidewall 44. As shown inFIG. 2 , thebosses 64 may be arranged at theback wall 50, thefirst end wall 52, and thesecond end wall 54. Eachboss 64 includes abore 66 and is positioned in alignment with arespective bore 68 formed in thetop plate 32. Threadedfasteners 70 are directed through thetop plate bores 68 and into the boss bores 66 to releasably couple thetop plate 32 to thelower body 30. In alternative embodiments, thetop plate 32 may be releasably coupled to thelower body 30 using various other mechanical fastening elements known in the art, such as clamps, detents, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, or the like, for example. Removal of thetop plate 32 from thelower body 30 provides access to theinterior cavity 36 and components housed therein, including thesensor 38 and adjustable locking elements of thelocking structure 34, described below. - The
bottom wall 46 of thelower body 30 includes alower aperture 72 that is suitably sized and shaped to expose at least a portion of thesensor 38, including its detecting element, to an environment around thelighting unit 12. For example, with referenceFIGS. 1 and 2 , thelower aperture 72 may be circular and formed with a diameter suitable to allow thesensor lens 42 to project through theaperture 72, while retaining thecircuit board 40 and corresponding electronic components (e.g., electrical wires, etc.) in theinterior cavity 36. As shown inFIG. 1 , aretaining nut 74 may be arranged on a lower surface of thebottom wall 46 to engage and secure thesensor 38 to thebottom wall 46. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , anupper aperture 76 may be formed in thetop plate 32 and may be generally aligned with thelower aperture 72 formed in thebottom wall 46. Theupper aperture 76 may be suitably sized and shaped to accommodate electrical wires (not shown) that connect thesensor 38 to thelighting unit 12 and/or a sensor power source, for example. Additionally, theinterior cavity 36 oflower body 30 may be sized to accommodate slack amounts of the electrical wires in addition to thesensor 38. In alternative embodiments, thesensor 38 may communicate with thelighting unit 12 wirelessly and a sensor power source may be located within theinterior cavity 36, for example, in which case theupper aperture 76 may be omitted from thetop plate 32. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thelocking structure 34 of thesensor support 14 enables selective attachment of thesensor support 14 to therefractor 20. Generally, thelocking structure 34 may include one or more recesses that receive a portion of therefractor rim 22, and one or more adjustable locking elements that lockingly engage and retain therim 22 within the one or more recesses. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures, thelocking structure 34 includes anelongate channel 78 and a pair of threadedfasteners 80. Thechannel 78 is formed in a lower portion of thefront wall 48 of thelower body 30, and the threadedfasteners 80 extend into thechannel 78 to engage an upper surface of theclamp band 26 and thereby clamp theclamp band 26 and therim 22 within thechannel 78. In this manner, thesensor support 14 may be cantilevered on therefractor rim 22, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 . - As best shown in
FIG. 2 , thechannel 78 is formed integrally within thefront wall 48, and extends continuously for a full length of thefront wall 48 between the first andsecond end walls channel 78 may be formed with various other physical configurations. For example, thechannel 78 may be defined by one or more ledge-like structures that project laterally outward from thefront wall 48, each defining a respective portion of thechannel 78. Such structures may be spaced apart and span a full or partial length of thefront wall 48. - In the embodiment shown, the
front wall 48 and thechannel 78 may each extend along an arcuate path having a curvature that complements a curvature of therefractor 20, such as a curvature of therefractor rim 22. Likewise, thefront edge 56 of thetop plate 32 may be formed with a curvature similar to that of thefront wall 48. In this manner, thesensor support 14 closely conforms to an outer periphery of therefractor 20, thereby promoting a secure attachment of thesensor support 14 to therefractor 20 and providing a compact and aesthetically pleasing configuration. Additionally, thechannel 78 may be formed with a profile shaped to generally complement a profile of therefractor rim 22. For example, as shown best inFIG. 3 , thechannel 78 may be formed with a generally rectangular profile that complements generally rectangular profiles of therefractor rim 22 and theclamp band 26. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , thechannel 78 extends laterally into theinterior cavity 36 with a depth sufficient to accommodate a majority of a radial width of therefractor rim 22 and theclamp band 26. Thechannel 78 is bounded by anupper channel wall 82, alower channel wall 84, and aninner channel wall 86. Thelower channel wall 84 may be defined by thebottom wall 46 of thelower body 30. The threadedfasteners 80 are threaded through theupper channel wall 82 and into thechannel 78 to engage an upper surface of theclamp band 26, thereby clamping theclamp band 26 and refractor rim 22 within thechannel 78, against thelower channel wall 84. The heads of the threadedfasteners 80 may be tightened against a planar surface of theupper channel wall 82, accessible via theinterior cavity 36. Further, the threadedfasteners 80 may be formed with any suitable length to accommodaterefractor rims 22 and clampbands 26 of various thicknesses, or alternatively arefractor rim 22 without aclamp band 26. - As best shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the threadedfasteners 80 may be accessed and adjusted via theinterior cavity 36 when thetop plate 32 is removed from thelower body 30. While only two threadedfasteners 80 are shown, spaced apart along a length of thechannel 78, any suitable quantity and spacing of threadedfasteners 80 may be provided. In alternative embodiments, the clamping effect provided by the threadedfasteners 80 may be enhanced with various additional mechanical fastening elements known in the art. For example, though not shown, one or more additional threaded fasteners may be threaded through thelower channel wall 84 to engage a lower surface of theclamp band 26. - While the
exemplary sensor support 14 shown and described herein includes locking structure comprising achannel 78 and threadedfasteners 80, it will be appreciated that various other structure suitable for selectively attaching thesensor support 14 to a peripheral portion of a lighting refractor may alternatively be used. - In exemplary embodiments, the
lower body 30 andtop plate 32 of thesensor support 14 may be formed of a polymeric material through an injection molding process. It will be appreciated that various alternative materials, including metals for example, and corresponding manufacturing methods may be used. - The
sensor support 14 disclosed herein supports thesensor 38 at a position radially outward of therefractor rim 22 so as to avoid blocking light produced by thelight source 18 and directed through therefractor opening 24, shown inFIG. 1 . Upon sensing a motion, light, or other condition of a surrounding environment, thesensor 38 sends a signal to thelighting unit 12, or to a control unit (not shown) communicating with thelighting unit 12, instructing thelighting unit 12 to energize thelight source 18. Thelighting unit 12 may later de-energize thelight source 18 after a pre-determined length of time during which the condition ceases to be present. In this manner, thesensor support 14 promotes energy-efficient use of thelighting unit 12, while supporting thesensor 38 at a location immediately adjacent to thelighting unit 12 to provide a visually appealing and space-efficient configuration without interfering with light produced by thelighting unit 12. -
FIGS. 4-14 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a new, original, and ornamental design for a sensor support for use with luminaires, wherein broken dot-dash lines represent unclaimed portions of the design, and broken dash lines represent unclaimed boundaries. - While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of a specific embodiments thereof, and while the embodiment has been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/221,781 US10337912B2 (en) | 2016-07-28 | 2016-07-28 | Sensor support for use with lighting refractor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/221,781 US10337912B2 (en) | 2016-07-28 | 2016-07-28 | Sensor support for use with lighting refractor |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180031416A1 true US20180031416A1 (en) | 2018-02-01 |
US10337912B2 US10337912B2 (en) | 2019-07-02 |
Family
ID=61009478
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/221,781 Active 2036-11-01 US10337912B2 (en) | 2016-07-28 | 2016-07-28 | Sensor support for use with lighting refractor |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10337912B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2572054A (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2019-09-18 | Aurora Ltd | Improved sensor assembly |
USD987885S1 (en) * | 2021-06-22 | 2023-05-30 | Hangzhou Juxing Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd | Lamp holder with cup |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10962202B2 (en) * | 2018-11-14 | 2021-03-30 | Signify Holding B.V. | Adjustable luminaire mounted sensor housing |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040240208A1 (en) * | 2003-06-02 | 2004-12-02 | Delta Power Supply, Inc. | Lumen sensing system |
US7264380B1 (en) * | 2005-12-07 | 2007-09-04 | Jimway, Inc. | Light pollution shield |
WO2008021516A2 (en) * | 2006-08-17 | 2008-02-21 | Spiro Daniel S | Ballast housing for electronic hid luminaire |
US8636385B2 (en) * | 2006-12-15 | 2014-01-28 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Sensor module connector |
US9874341B2 (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2018-01-23 | Cree, Inc. | Double fresnel pir lens |
-
2016
- 2016-07-28 US US15/221,781 patent/US10337912B2/en active Active
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2572054A (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2019-09-18 | Aurora Ltd | Improved sensor assembly |
GB2572054B (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2020-12-30 | Aurora Ltd | Improved sensor assembly |
USD987885S1 (en) * | 2021-06-22 | 2023-05-30 | Hangzhou Juxing Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd | Lamp holder with cup |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10337912B2 (en) | 2019-07-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8801217B2 (en) | Recessed light having a base body and a dome-shaped reflector | |
US10337912B2 (en) | Sensor support for use with lighting refractor | |
US7168825B2 (en) | Recessed light fixture | |
US8307472B1 (en) | Light emitting diode system | |
US10619808B2 (en) | Flat panel ceiling light with quick-change covers | |
US8646569B2 (en) | Speaker unit | |
US10830419B2 (en) | Lighting fixture | |
US9874338B2 (en) | Universal mounting system for mounting a lighting fixture to a pole | |
WO2007008804A2 (en) | Mounting system for a light fixture | |
RU93932U1 (en) | DEVICE FOR MOUNTING A POINT LUMINAIRE IN A STRETCH CEILING | |
US20150276155A1 (en) | Light Fixture | |
KR20150069241A (en) | Bracket for LED lighting appliance | |
US10962202B2 (en) | Adjustable luminaire mounted sensor housing | |
US8820982B2 (en) | Lampshade having adjustable distance between two grasp portions | |
CA3062276A1 (en) | Wall mount light fixture with external sensor housing | |
WO2019079573A1 (en) | Surface mount luminaire | |
KR101553300B1 (en) | Christmas tree combined hanger | |
CN108954119B (en) | LED ceiling spotlight | |
KR101590379B1 (en) | Ring-type body features light decorative lighting | |
CN212929765U (en) | Pendant lamp capable of heating according to temperature | |
US11971155B2 (en) | Mounting bracket for affixing light fixtures to pilings | |
CA2503415C (en) | Recessed light fixture | |
CN210511251U (en) | Lamp easy and convenient to mount | |
CN208817220U (en) | LED smallpox shot-light | |
US20040179354A1 (en) | Light device having objects receiving housing |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LSI INDUSTRIES, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WRIGHT, TRAVIS;BOYER, JOHN D.;SCHUBERT, TRAVIS;REEL/FRAME:039280/0504 Effective date: 20160728 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |